"I think of Lang Lang as almost harder to get than Yo-Yo," Barlament said. "Not that Yo-Yo is easy to get, but my perception is that Lang Lang is still very much in huge demand around the world, again, not that Yo-Yo isn't, but he's played everywhere and every place."

After reaching out to Lang Lang's management around two years ago, Barlament stayed in steady contact to let them know she was serious about bringing him here.

"Lang Lang has been at the top of our list for a long time, but I thought it was a total long shot," Barlament said.

Lang Lang has been featured on CNN and "60 Minutes" for his rock star-like following. He opened the Beijing Olympics and has played for world leaders, including President Barack Obama at the White House and at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Through his foundation, he also acts as an educator and ambassador of classical music to the world who's constantly on the road.

Above it all, he's a brilliant musician, said Dan Gustin, director of the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival. The festival collaborated with the KSO to bring Lang Lang back to Kalamazoo. Gustin said he imagines Lang Lang's experience here more than a decade ago probably contributed to his return trip.

Gustin, who was in his second year at the post when then-18-year-old Lang Lang played as a Gilmore Rising Star in December 2000, said Lang Lang is a unique talent who has experienced success on his own merit. Since the 2000 performance -- at the Wellspring Theatre in front of around 150 people -- Lang Lang has catapulted to incredible heights in the entertainment world at a blinding velocity.

"Lang Lang has qualities which reach across the stage lights and into the audience. He connects with the audience in a real and somewhat unusual way. Some of it by his own physicality and the physicality of his playing ... Lang Lang is all over the instrument," Gustin said.

The Kalamazoo concert is also rare for other reasons. Not only is this his only upcoming concert in the Midwest -- his next closest show is in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Sept. 15 -- but he is also playing two Beethoven's concertos.

"That's very unusual," Gustin said.

The concert, sponsored by Maple Hill Auto Group and Zhang Financial, was also made possible by a series of anonymous donors. Gustin and Barlament also said Kalamazoo's reputation for being supportive of the performing arts also helps attract such artists.

"I've heard from guest artists who have been to Kalamazoo or have heard about Kalamazoo that they understand the audiences are the best. They are unusually attentive, incredibly respective and very warm. That's one thing we have going for us," Barlament said.